I am expecting my son back from Afghanistan today, his 20th birthday, on his mid tour leave.

[Ten Bears]

But I haven't heard from him in over a month. He has a stepbrother who went over last month and they have made contact plus his job is not as dangerous as some other soldiers are so I really don't think he has been injured. He is not a sophisticated traveler and I am bracing myself in case I don't hear from him today. Still, I would rather spend my morning tomorrow eating breakfast with him instead of figuring out who to contact in the army to find out where the hell he is.

[Swede]

1. Well I hope you guys have a great time.

Keep us updated.

[PA Democrat]

2. I hope you see him/ hear from him today, Ten Bears.

Please keep us posted.:hug:

[sueh]

9. Me, too.

:hug:

[Windy]

3. My prayers are with you and your son. nt

[Catshrink]

4. Enjoy your visit!

My nephew is also in Afghanistan and communications can be difficult. The Internet goes down frequently and the army imposes communications black outs too.

:hi:

[Ineeda]

5. Can he call you upon arrival?

I can only imagine your excitement and apprehension. Hugs from me and thanks for his service. Have a wonderful reunion.

[sarge43]

6. He's ok, Ten Bears.

As another poster said, comm can be down, plus flights can be delayed, over booked, etc. SNAFU is the order of the day.

When he shows up, give him a big hug and thank you from all of us.

[southernyankeebelle]

7. Lady I pray things go well for your son. I got news for you though everyone in combat is in a war

zone. There really isn't a safe place 100% of the time. I hope you give your son the space if he wants it and let him bring up issues he wants to.

[votingupstart]

8. how to check the status of a family member --

1. call the "rear detachment" for his unit, all units when deploying have a few personnel that stay back (at the home base) to facilitate mail/supplies/paperwork etc. They should (if they are doing their job) have a tracking board that is updated every day, it will tell them who is coming/going/staying/ etc.

2. find out from his unit (rear detachment) which airport the military is sending that unit through and contact the USO at that airport. if he checks in (there is free food/internet/phones and cots to sleep on - so a GOOD chance he will go there) have them pass a message to him to call you.

3. Soldiers flight itineraries can change numerous times, have him buy a prepaid cell phone at the first US airport he hits so he can call you guys and update you. Remind him to call his unit and update them too - we would not want him to get docked any leave days for not keeping his commanders informed.


hope this helps -